It's important to remember that innovative ways of handling tasks – even those run from afar – can help people stay connected. So here's one idea that may lessen this ongoing isolation as well as strengthen your staff's morale: create virtual teams. First, decide with them which projects matter the most and, once that's defined, determine who would like to pair up together to work on those tasks. Emphasize that this isn't a gimmick but a way to lessen the seclusion we all feel. (Their buy-in is critical because people typically support that which they helped create.)

To make certain this process works smoothly, confirm that teams clearly understand what's expected of them. Check in on them collectively and individually daily, asking them if they need anything from you or if they're having any problems in working remotely with each other.

Finally, as part of morale building, keep in mind work should be balanced with play. You might regularly challenge teams to compete in solving riddles, perhaps, or answering trivia questions. As comedy writer Robert Orben wisely put it, "If you can laugh together, you can work together."E